JUST THE TWO OF US

JUST THE two of us Daisy and Keith shared a wonderfully intimate wedding day at Westenhanger Castle Images courtesy of Fleur Challis Photography

Dissatisfied with her singledom Daisy’s friends got hold of her phone one evening and signed her up for Tinder, before liking everyone on there. Fortunately, what could have gone so wrong, ended up so right when she came across Keith’s profile while deleting her matches. The two sent a few initial messages back and forth, and then agreed to meet up at a local wine bar – they’ve never looked back. Daisy says, “We couldn’t stop talking! I loved his Irish accent, sense of humour and blue eyes. He loved my confidence and creative side.”

While the duo had planned to go to Hever Hotel for the weekend of their fourth anniversary, the pandemic had other ideas. Instead Keith decorated the kitchen with candles and laid the table for a delicious three-course meal, which he prepared with his own fair hands. They spent a perfect evening celebrating this milestone in their relationship, as they chatted, listened to music and reminisced about their years together so far. “It was time for dessert and Keith asked me to close my eyes. When I opened them I saw a jewellery box surrounded by chocolates, which I thought was an anniversary gift. Much to my surprise, it was an engagement ring.” The groom-to-be got down on one knee and asked her to marry him, Daisy accepted through tears of joy.

The pair dreamed of an intimate wedding day and discovered Kent-based company, E-lope who specialise in such a thing. They fell in love with the idea of tying the knot al fresco, beneath Westenhanger Castle’s thatched gazebo; and while the occasion was tinged with regret that Keith’s family wouldn’t be able to make the trip from Ireland due to Covid, they still wanted the day to be super-special.

Our jaws hit the floor when we first saw these images, so we hope you’ll join us as bride Daisy tells us more about their oh-so romantic big day – 14th April, 2021...

I wore the Poppy Embroidered Wedding Dress from Phase Eight along with embellished bridal blockheel sandals. I accessorised with D and T initial pendants from Tiffany & Co. The T is for Tracey, my mum, so I could have her with me on my wedding day.

We were both very calm before the ceremony. We were excited to get married and I felt so happy when I caught sight of Keith standing at the altar. The second I heard our song, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, I felt a rush. It was so emotional. I’d recommend taking your time to walk down the aisle. It’s a beautiful moment to take everything in.

As we said our vows we were in our own bubble, just us and our two witnesses. We could focus solely on each other and enjoy every moment.

Keith burst out laughing during the vows, as he was trying incredibly hard not to say, “awful wedded wife,” from one of our favourite films Four Weddings and a Funeral. Our delicious cake was lemon flavour with elderflower buttercream, it was topped with a dramatic macaron tower.

Our styling involved a Parisian-style vibe including madame and monsieur signs, flowers, a chandelier, candles, a pastel pink and blue tablescape and blankets.

Our wedding breakfast was an afternoon tea. As we sat down we heard tweeting noises followed by a series of thumps coming from behind us. Some little ducklings had hatched and were leaving the nest for the first time from the roof of the gazebo. They were so cute! 43

The E-lope team were amazing, they made sure we had everything we needed and made the day extra special. Our photographer Fleur Challis was fantastic too and made us feel completely relaxed. She knew the venue really well and captured our day with some beautiful photographs around the castle gardens.

Don’t worry about what everyone else will think or say – do what’s best for the both of you. Remember, the reason you’re getting married. Your day should be a celebration of your love for one another. Looking back, we had the best day, it was so romantic and special, just the two of us. I wouldn’t do it any other way. We couldn’t go on honeymoon, so after the wedding we drove to Hythe beach where we enjoyed a romantic stroll as we took in the sunset. Before heading home, we saw signs for crazy golf, which has always been our thing. We thought it would be hilarious to play a game in our wedding attire. It was so much fun with everyone staring at us and asking questions.

Since then, we’ve been to the Cotswolds on minimoon. We were so lucky with the weather and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the gorgeous countryside near Chipping Norton.

THE W-DAY TEAM

Venue | Westenhanger Castle | www.westenhangercastle.co.uk Photographer | Fleur Challis Photography | http://fleurchallisphotography.com Dress | Phase Eight | www.phase-eight.com Suit | Charles Tyrwhitt | www.charlestyrwhitt.com Cake | Cobi and Coco | https://cobiandcoco.com Flowers, | Mimi Fleur | http://mimifleur.co.uk Catering | Touchays | https://touchays.com Wedding planner | The Wedding Owl | https://theweddingowl.com Wedding ring box | RdnyStore | www.etsy.com/shop/RdnyStore Groom’s accessories | VintageIrishDresser | www.etsy.com/uk/shop/VintageIrishDresser